Patrice Evra posts glowing Instagram tribute to his racial abuser Luis Suarez

Juventus defender Patrice Evra has posted a glowing tribute to Barcelona striker Luis Suarez on social media after the Uruguayan won the Golden Shoe award. The 29-year-old star claimed the coveted gong on the back of his incredible season with the Catalans, for whom he scored 40 La Liga goals in 2015/16.

Evra, 35, took to Instagram to post a picture of Suarez with his award in-hand and to pay tribute to the striker's recent achievements. However, the post is likely to have come as a surprise to many, as the duo famously had a run-in during their time in the Premier League.

The former Manchester United defender accused Suarez – who was playing for Liverpool at the time – of using racially abusive language towards him during a match at Anfield in October 2011. Suarez was subsequently found guilty by the FA and handed an eight-game ban, as well as a £40,000 fine.

Then, before a match in February 2012, Suarez refused to shake Evra's hand during the usual pre-game routine. The incident created considerable controversy, with the then-United manager Sir Alex Ferguson describing the striker as a "disgrace".

But Evra appears happy to bury the hatchet, writing on Instagram: "In my Instagram there is only love and never hate!!! Luis, you're a great player and the best No 9. Congratulations Luis @luissuarez9. I love this game !!! hahahaah. (sic)"

Meanwhile, Suarez recently admitted he would be thrilled to retire at Barceona, having enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at the Catalan club since joining in 2014. The striker admitted he is keen to add to his increasingly-impressive medal collection at the Nou Camp in the coming years.

"I would love to retire here, but that obliges you to stay at the top level for your whole career," the Barcelona star explained. "But I'm not thinking about that now. There are only a few privileged enough to retire here."